An Incident On a Plane

by Donna Swagerty Shreve

Having just finished my seven day visit with my son in New York City, I was trying to psych myself up for the long flight back home. I have timed the trip from door to door and it takes 12 hours and it ends up being exhausting. I had chosen my seat carefully on the plane to make for the best comfort in my price range. I am tall and wanted Economy Plus as it allows for extra leg room. I had booked early enough that I was able to chose a seat by the window in the first row in the section right after first class section. The front row provides enough room to actually stretch your legs out straight. 

I was flying on a 777 which has three seats on either side and four seats in the middle. The front row in economy plus only has two seats on either side. I was feeling quite lucky. Now to see who would sit next to me on the aisle. I was settled in and reading my book on my kindle app when he approached. He was possibly late 40s or early 50s. His black hair seemed too black for his age. He was dressed in flashy attire that screamed, “Look at me!” He caught my eye and said, “Hi there. Great day isn’t it!” Oh dear, here we go, I said inside my head.

I quickly went back to reading my book with renewed interest. Soon he was bouncing up helping anyone near us to lifting their luggage to the overheard compartments. He also went over to the other side of the plane to chat with a woman who turned out to be his girl friend. She was obviously a bottle blonde and top heavy with low enough blouse to show off cleavage. She had heavy make-up and they seemed very well matched.

He returned and told me that his girlfriend was so upset because they could not sit together. I slowly looked up from my book and replied, “ Life is tough!” I then returned to my reading. He returned to chat with his girlfriend until we took off. He was gone longer this time and then he announced to me that he had some sad news. I again looked up from my book. “I have to leave you. My girlfriend arranged for us to sit together. But don’t be sad because I will come back to visit.”  Was he kidding? He left and I had the row all to myself. I had a wonderful peaceful ride home and actually finished my book. Why did he think he could mess with on old lady?

450 words

D. Shreve

5 /18/21